The technology group Wärtsilä has signed a joint industry project cooperation (JIP) undertaking with Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Company (DSIC), a part of the China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation. The objective of the JIP is to develop a preliminary production level design for a 127,000 dwt shuttle tanker that may be built by DSIC with DNV-GL classification. The agreement was signed in October 2017.

The demand for shuttle tankers is forecasted to increase, and this joint project is intended to generate a high level design concept with a dynamic positioning (DP) system that can be offered to potential owners. By having a ready and approved design available, the building period can be significantly reduced.

“We are excited to enter into this agreement that offers a proactive approach to meeting the future needs of the tanker sector. We congratulate DSIC for their vision and foresight in working to develop a state-of-the-art shuttle tanker,” says Aaron Bresnahan, Vice President, Sales, Wärtsilä Marine Solutions.

“This project is based on market demand forecasts for the future and we are fortunate to have Wärtsilä as a partner. Their technological know-how and vast industry experience will make an invaluable contribution to the success of this project,” says Mr Liu Wenmin, Senior Expert of CSIC.

Wärtsilä will provide technical design support for the project. This will include developing an optimised propulsion and thruster solution and machinery with a high-level electric configuration for the vessel’s DP control system.